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Tom Grindley-Ferris

Head of Professional Services - Eastern & Western | SYSPRO - Africa

Since joining SYSPRO Tom has fulfilled quite a few roles in SYSPRO Cape Town, from pre sales, consulting, project management, account management, professional services manager to his current position as Channel Business Developer for the Western and Eastern Cape. Tom is responsible for managing and developing opportunities and sales within the SYSPRO channel.

“Ever since I remember I have wanted to work for the ‘mother ship’ SYSPRO and was delighted to join SYSPRO seven years ago. I have a great passion for SYSPRO and have seen it work wonders in so many diverse and challenging environments. We strive to offer a world class solution to our clients down at the tip of Africa.”

As the water situation in the Western Cape that I discussed in my previous blog deteriorates, and farmers and food suppliers prepare for the worst, a definitive survival plan is vital for Food & Beverage companies. Tough times call for tighter controls and greater transparency. Nothing provides this better than an effective business system tailored to your business.

Residents of the South African province of the Western Cape are still coming to terms with the reality of water ‘load shedding’ imposed since last month in parts of the province. Rationed water for personal hygiene as well as drinking and cooking purposes is very much a reality now. But limited water is not the only thing impacting putting food on the table. The drought is much further reaching, with farmers and food suppliers also feeling the pinch!

If you are a food manufacturer, you have probably pondered this critical question more than once: “Do I have the necessary infrastructure in place to ensure I am able to seize new opportunities and grow at a successful rate?”

These days, food and beverage companies are facing tougher challenges than ever before. The food industry has become increasingly complex for manufacturers to navigate and remain compliant. In the highly competitive food marketplace, the demands can soon start to outgrow your business and suddenly you’re slapping on Band-Aids without a passing thought for the implications on long-term growth.

There has never been a more exciting time to be a small or medium sized business. Technology has levelled the playing field - making it possible for SMMEs to compete with big business. Here are a few of the things making SMMEs smile:

The great thing about a necessity is that, as a supplier, you are always guaranteed an eager market. Food production and distribution falls neatly into this category. We all have to eat, don’t we? However, as margins become tighter, food businesses have been forced to keep a beady eye on the bottom line and pay more attention to reducing inefficiencies.